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PSL 6: All-round United look to put past dull last season with victory against Rizwan-led Sultans

Abhishek Singh

Two-time champions, Islamabad United had the worst possible start to a full-fledged PSL in Pakistan.  The team representing the capital finished last on the Points table in the 2020 edition of the tournament. With a fresh start beckoning them in a fresh season, the Shadab Khan-led side would look to get over the last season, when they take on MultanSultans in their first game. 

There is nothing to choose between the two teams as far as the last six encounters with both of them winning three each. Even in the last season, the two teams split the victories in the two games they faced each other. 

All-rounders hold key for United

Islamabad have a lot of such players who are good at both the tricks (batting and bowling) of the trade. It is this multi-tasking ability of the players that make the team a well-balanced side and one which can easily navigate all situations. 

Shadab Khan, Lewis Gregory, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Zafar Gohar and even Paul Stirling can both bat and ball and make a sizeable contribution in both fields. Thus, striking a good balance among the players is something that the team management needs to focus on. 

With new man-in-charge, Sultans eye victorious start to the campaign

Pakistan vice-captain and one of the most prized cricket entities in the country right now, Mohammad Rizwan has been named as the skipper of Multan Sultans for this season. Under a new leader, the team would be eager to give their best and get the campaign rolling with a victory.

There is balance in the side with the seasoned batsmen in the form of Chris Lynn, James Vince alongside national talents Shan Masood and Sohaib Maqsood are supported well by a generous supply of all-rounders and bowlers. 

All-round abilities of the evergreen Shahid Afridi, West Indian heavyweight and recently crowned champion with Sydney Sixers in the BBL, Carlos Brathwaite and Khsushdil Shah would be crucial in Multan’s approach to the game. The team from South Punjab also has some brilliant bowlers in Sohail Tanvir, Imran Tahir, Sohail Khan and Usman Qadir to offer skipper Rizwan a lot of options to choose from. 

Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans: Match Details

Match Number- 03

Date and Time: 21st February, 07:30 pm IST, 07:00 pm Local, 02:00 pm GMT

Venue- National Stadium, Karachi

Broadcast and Live stream: Sony Six and Sony LIV

Pitch Report

This wicket would be two matches old. Since it is just the start of the season and the game is going to be an evening affair, not much help could be expected for the bowlers, especially with heavy dew settling in. Though Quetta weren’t able to get a partnership going otherwise this wicket is tailor-made for high scoring games at the start of the season. 

Weather and Toss

At this time of the season, dew is a common phenomenon and hence it would majorly impact the game. The winds will be dry and chilly in the evening, helping the faster bowlers a bit with the new ball. But with dew, a major concern, the team winning the toss would most likely bowl first. 

Probable XIs

Islamabad United

Alex Hales, Paul Stirling, Asif Ali, Philip Salt (wk), Hussain Talat, Lewis Gregory, Shadab Khan(c), Faheem Ashraf, Zafar Gohar, Hasan Ali, Muhammad Musa

Multan Sultans

Chris Lynn, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), James Vince, Sohaib Maqsood, Khushdil Shah, Shahid Afridi, Carlos Brathwaite, Sohail Tanvir, Usman Qadir, Sohail Khan, Imran Tahir

Dream XI/ Fantasy XI

Chris Lynn, Mohammad Rizwan (w/c), Alex Hales (vc), Asif Ali, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Shahid Afridi, Hasan Ali, Zafar Gohar, Sohail Tanvir

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